Slot machine and method for playing slot machine

ABSTRACT

In the case where a combination of symbols serving as a bonus trigger is rearranged in execution of a slot game in which the arranged symbols are rearranged, a gaming condition determination game is executed. Under the conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game, a free game is executed. In the gaming condition determination game, determined are the number of free games to be executed, and a multiplication factor of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-025371 filed on Feb. 5, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing a game using game media such as coins, and a method for playing the slot machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a gaming facility having slot machines installed therein, it has heretofore been possible to play a game by inserting various game media such as coins and cash into each of the slot machines. Each of the slot machines provides a payout according to a winning combination that occurs in the course of the game (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133).

Moreover, a slot machine providing a free game as a secondary game has been disclosed as a conventional slot machine in Australia Patent No. PQ6296. In this slot machine, during the execution of a base game, a transition is made from the base game to the free game. Moreover, in the free game, a display effect is made by displaying an animated character on a symbol displayed in a display area of video reels, the animated character replacing the underlying symbol.

However, the free game described above has poor entertainment properties. Thus, provision of a slot machine with higher entertainment properties has been desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine capable of increasing expectations of a player and of providing display with an effect having excellent entertainment properties, and to provide a method for playing the slot machine.

In order to achieve the foregoing object, a slot machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to a) execute a predetermined number of special slot games when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, b) execute a gaming condition determination game in making a transition to the special slot game, c) accept a selection operation by a player in the gaming condition determination game, and d) determine gaming conditions of the special slot game based on an outcome of the selection operation.

According to the slot machine described above, the symbols are rearranged to form a specific combination on the display, and the gaming condition determination game is executed in making the transition to the special slot game. Moreover, according to a result of the gaming condition determination game, gaming conditions of the special slot game are changed. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the gaming condition determination game.

In the slot machine according to the first aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

Through the selection operation described above, the player selects one of the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

In the slot machine according to the first aspect, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to newly form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game, the controller may re-execute the gaming condition determination game, and thereby set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the special slot game preceding the re-executed gaming condition determination game.

In other words, according to the slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the special slot game and where a new special slot game is about to start, the gaming condition determination game is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new special slot game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the preceding special slot game. In this way, this slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

A slot machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to: a) execute the slot game; b) execute special slot games when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, c) execute a plurality of gaming condition determination games determining a number of the special slot games, in making a transition to the special slot games, d) accept a selection operation by a player in each of the gaming condition determination games, and e) determine gaming conditions of the special slot game based on an outcome of the selection operation.

According to the slot machine described above, the symbols are rearranged to form a specific combination on the display, and a plurality of the gaming condition determination game is executed in making the transition to the special slot game. Moreover, according to a result of each gaming condition determination game, gaming conditions of the special slot game are changed. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the plurality of gaming condition determination game.

In the slot machine according to the second aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

Through the selection operation described above, the player selects one of the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

In the slot machine according to the second aspect, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to newly form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game, the controller may re-execute the gaming condition determination game, and thereby set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the special slot game preceding the re-executed gaming condition determination game.

In other words, according to the slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the special slot game and where a new special slot game is about to start, a plurality of the gaming condition determination games is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new special slot game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the preceding special slot game. In this way, this slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

A slot machine according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to: a) execute the slot game, b) execute bonus games with a higher probability of rearrangement of the symbols to form a winning combination than that in execution of the slot game, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, c) execute a gaming condition determination game determining a number of the bonus games, in making a transition to the bonus game, d) accept a selection operation by a player in the gaming condition determination game, and e) change, according to an outcome of the selection operation, at least one of the number of the bonus games to be executed and a payout rate of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form the winning combination are rearranged.

According to the slot machine described above, the symbols are rearranged to form a specific combination on the display, and the gaming condition determination game is executed in making the transition to the bonus game. Moreover, the number of execution of the bonus games or the payout rate for a payout to be provided when the symbols to form the winning combination are rearranged, is changed according to a result of the gaming condition determination game. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the gaming condition determination game.

In the slot machine according to the third aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

Through the selection operation described above, the player selects one of the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

In the slot machine according to the third aspect, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to newly form the specific combination in execution of the bonus game, the controller may re-execute the gaming condition determination game, and thereby set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the bonus game preceding the re-executed gaming condition determination game.

In other words, according to the slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the bonus game and where a new special slot game is about to start, the gaming condition determination game is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new bonus game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than those of the preceding bonus game. In this way, this slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

A method for playing a slot machine, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, includes: a) executing a slot game to rearrange respective symbols arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a special slot game when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the special slot game; d) executing a gaming condition determination game for determining gaming conditions of the special slot game based on a outcome of the selection operation; and e) executing the special slot game based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game.

According to the method for playing a slot machine described above, when the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display by executing the slot game, the transition is made to the special slot game. In making the transition, the gaming condition determination game is executed. Moreover, based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game, the special slot game is executed. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the gaming condition determination game.

In the method for playing a slot machine, according to the fourth aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

By performing the selection operation described above, the player selects one option from among the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

The method for playing a slot machine, according to the fourth aspect, may further include executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions not disadvantageous to the player for the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are further rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game.

In other words, according to the method for playing a slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the special slot game and where a new special slot game is about to start, the gaming condition determination game is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new special slot game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than that of the preceding special slot game. In this way, the slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

A method for playing a slot machine, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, includes: a) executing a slot game to rearrange respective symbols arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a special slot game when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the special slot game; d) executing a plurality of gaming condition determination games for determining gaming conditions of the special slot games based on an outcome of the selection operation; and e) executing the special slot game based on the gaming conditions determined by the plurality of gaming condition determination games.

According to the method for playing a slot machine described above, when the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display by executing the slot game, the transition is made to the special slot game. In making the transition, a plurality of the gaming condition determination games is executed. Moreover, based on the gaming conditions determined by the plurality of the gaming condition determination games, the special slot game is executed. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the gaming condition determination game.

In the method for playing a slot machine, according to the fourth aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

By performing the selection operation described above, the player selects one option from among the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

The method for playing a slot machine, according to the fifth aspect, may further include executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions not disadvantageous to the player for the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are further rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game.

In other words, according to the method for playing a slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the special slot game and where a new special slot game is about to start, the plurality of the gaming condition determination games is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new special slot game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than that of the preceding special slot game. In this way, the slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

A method for playing a slot machine, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, includes: a) executing a slot game to rearrange respective symbols arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a bonus game with a higher probability that the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged than other slot games, when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the bonus game; d) executing a gaming condition determination game for changing, based on an outcome of the selection operation, at least one of the number of the bonus games to be executed and a payout rate of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form the winning combination are rearranged; and e) executing the bonus game based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game.

According to the method for playing a slot machine described above, when the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display by executing the slot game, the transition is made to the bonus game. In making the transition, the gaming condition determination game is executed. Moreover, based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game, the bonus game is executed. Therefore, it is possible to motivate the player to execute the gaming condition determination game.

In the method for playing a slot machine, according to the sixth aspect, the selection operation may be an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.

By performing the selection operation described above, the player selects one option from among the plurality of options in the gaming condition determination game. Thus, this operation is easy for the player to understand.

The method for playing a slot machine, according to the sixth aspect, may further include executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions not disadvantageous to the player for the bonus game preceding the gaming condition determination game when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are further rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game.

In other words, according to the method for playing a slot machine described above, in the case where the symbols are rearranged to form the specific combination on the display during the execution of the bonus game and where a new bonus game is about to start, the gaming condition determination game is executed to set the gaming conditions of the new bonus game. Here, the set gaming conditions are equally or more advantageous to the player than that of the preceding bonus game. In this way, the slot machine does not provide any disadvantage to the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a display example of a gaming condition determination game displayed on a liquid crystal display in a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing procedures of processing executed by the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing procedures of processing executed by the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing procedures of processing executed by the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing procedures of processing executed by the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing procedures of processing executed by the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a winning combination and a payout in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a display example on the liquid crystal display in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

With reference to a display example shown in FIG. 1 and a perspective view of a slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 2, features of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a display example on a liquid crystal display (display) 16 in the slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment, when a specific combination of symbols is stopped as a result of execution of a slot game on the liquid crystal display 16 (arranged symbols are rearranged to form a specific combination), a gaming condition determination game is executed. In the gaming condition determination game, as shown in FIG. 1, four doors (four options) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. A player can select any one of these four doors (p1 to p4).

Moreover, as the number of free games (special slot games) to be executed as bonus games, “5”, “10”, “15” and “20” are respectively assigned to the doors (p1 to p4). The player selects one of the doors, as his/her choice, without knowing the correspondence between the positions of the four doors and the four numbers of free games.

When the player touches any one of the four doors displayed on the liquid crystal display 16, a touch panel sensor 19 (see FIG. 3) recognizes that one of the four doors is selected. Thus, the number of free games to be executed in the bonus game is determined. In other words, a number of free games is determined to be any one of “5”, “10”, “15” and “20”. Thereafter, as the bonus game, the free games are executed for the number of times determined by the above processing.

As described above, in the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment, execution of the gaming condition determination game allows the player to determine by his/her own choice the number of executions of the free games in the bonus game advantageous to the player.

Next, detailed description will be given of a configuration of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided on the cabinet and a main door 13. The cabinet 11 has the liquid crystal display 16 provided on its surface facing the player. Moreover, inside the cabinet 11, various constituent members are provided, including a controller 40 (see FIG. 3) for electrically controlling the slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (see FIG. 3) and the like. The hopper 44 controls insertion, storage and payout of medals,

Moreover, in this embodiment, medals are taken as an example of game media used for executing a game. However, the game media are not limited to the medals but may include, for example, awards, coins, tokens, electronic money and electronic value information (credits) equivalent thereto.

The main door 13 is attached to the cabinet 11 so as to be openable and closable. In approximately the center of the main door 13, the liquid crystal display 16 is provided. As described later, the liquid crystal display (display) 16 displays images related to various games including a slot game. In the slot game, as shown in FIG. 10, after symbols arranged in a total of 15 display areas Q1 a to Q3 e provided in a matrix of 3 rows×5 columns are caused to change, these symbols are rearranged. Thereafter, when the symbols rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e form a winning combination, a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, suffixes “a” to “e” attached to the display areas Q represent columns and suffixes “1” to “3” attached thereto represent rows. Note that, although the display areas used to execute a slot game are set to have 3 rows×5 columns in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

Moreover, a payout amount display area 48 is provided in a lower left area of the liquid crystal display 16, and displays the number of medals to be paid out.

Below the liquid crystal display 16, provided are: a medal insertion slot 21 into which medals used for playing a game are inserted; and a bill validator 22 for validating whether or not bills are legitimate and for accepting the legitimate bills. Moreover, in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22, various operation switches are provided.

As the operation switches, a cash-out switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a spin-repeat bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided.

The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the number of credits to be bet on a slot game executed on the liquid crystal display 16. Every time the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit for 1 medal is bet.

The spin repeat bet switch 26 is a switch for executing a slot game by betting credits equal to the credits having been bet with the aforementioned BET switch 25 in the previous game.

The start switch 27 is a switch for starting a slot game on the liquid crystal display 16 after the credits are bet. When the start switch 27 is pressed after medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or credits are bet by use of the BET switch 25, the slot game is started in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e on the liquid crystal display 16.

The cash-out switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal payout opening 28 provided in a lower part of a front of the main door 13. The medals paid out are accumulated in a medal tray 18.

The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, at a time, the maximum number of credits (for example, for 30 medals) that can be bet on one game.

On a lower front surface of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is provided, on which various images related to games executed by the slot machine 10 are displayed. The images include, for example, characters of the slot machine 10 and the like.

On both sides of the foot display 34, lamps 47 are provided, which emit light based on emission patterns preset corresponding to the plays of the slot machine 10. Below the foot display 34, the medal payout opening 28 is provided.

On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper display 33 is provided. The upper display 33 includes a display panel to display, for example, the number of medals to be paid out for a combination of symbols.

Moreover, in the top box 12, a speaker 29 is provided. Below the upper display 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints out a bar-code on a ticket, the bar-code having coded data such as the number of credits, time and date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10, and then outputs the ticket as a bar-coded ticket 39.

The player can play a game with another slot machine by allowing the slot machine to read the bar-coded ticket 39 or change the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills and the like at a predetermined place in a gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 allows a smart card to be inserted thereinto, reads and writes data from and into the inserted smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player and stores data for identifying the player, data on a history of games played by the player, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the controller 40 and various devices connected to the controller 40 provided in the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment. The controller 40 in the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 is a microcomputer, including an interface circuit group 102, an I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generating circuit 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper driving circuit 124, a display driving circuit 128 and a display controller 140.

The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the I/O bus 104. The I/O bus 104 inputs and outputs a data signal or an address signal to and from the CPU 106.

The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. A start signal outputted from the start switch 27 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

The BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin repeat bet switch 26 and the cash-out switch 23 are further connected to the interface circuit group 102. Respective switching signals outputted from those switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into predetermined signals by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided in a medal insertion part of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted by the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.

The ROM 108 storing system programs and the RAM 110 for storing various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. The random number generating circuit 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the display controller 140, the hopper driving circuit 124, the speaker driving circuit 122 and the display driving circuit 128 are further connected to the I/O bus 104.

Upon receipt of a game start operation by the start switch 27, the CPU 106 executes a slot game by reading a game execution program. The game execution program is a program for executing a slot game on the liquid crystal display 16 through the display controller 140.

To be more specific, the game execution program is configured to execute the following slot game. Specifically, symbols are scrolled in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (see FIG. 10) and subsequently the symbols are stopped (arranged symbols are rearranged). When the stopped symbols form a winning combination, a payout is provided.

The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a whole server and the like, and transmits to the whole server data, and the like, on a history of plays executed in the slot machine 10. Moreover, the communication interface circuit 111 receives various data transmitted from the whole server.

The random number generating circuit 112 generates a random number for determining whether or not to generate a winning combination in a slot game executed on the liquid crystal display 16.

The display driving circuit 128 performs control of displaying the number of medals to be paid out in the payout amount display area 48 set in the lower left area of the liquid crystal display 16.

The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speaker 29. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the sound data to the speaker driving circuit 122 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, predetermined sound effects are emitted from the speaker 29.

The hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44 when a cash-out occurs. Specifically, when a cash-out signal is inputted by the cash-out switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, the hopper 44 pays out medals equivalent to the number of credits remaining at this time, which number is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

The display controller 140 performs display control for executing a slot game on the liquid crystal display 16. Specifically, the CPU 106 generates an image display command signal corresponding to a state and an outcome of a slot game, and outputs the image display command signal to the display controller 140 through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display 16 according to the image display command, and outputs the generated driving signal to the liquid crystal display 16. Thus, a predetermined image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16.

Furthermore, on a surface of the liquid crystal display 16, the touch panel sensor 19 is provided. When the player touches the touch panel sensor 19, data of a contact location on the liquid crystal display 16 is detected and transmitted to the CPU 106.

Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, description will be given of slot game execution processing performed by the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment.

When a slot game is executed, the CPU 106 shown in FIG. 3 determines whether a bonus flag B is currently “1” or “0” (Step S11). Since the bonus flag B is initially set to “0”, the processing moves to Step S13. Moreover, if the bonus flag B is “1”, the processing moves to Step S12. Note that the bonus flag B will be described later.

Next, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot or a certain number of credits are bet by the player (Step S13), the certain number of bet credits is subtracted from the number of credits currently held (Step S14). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start switch 27 is turned on. If the start switch 27 is turned on (YES in Step S15), symbols arranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e set on the liquid crystal display 16 are scrolled (Step S16).

Subsequently, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since start of symbol scrolling (YES in Step S17), the symbols are rearranged (stopped) in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S18).

The CPU 106 determines whether or not three or more symbols A are rearranged among the total of fifteen symbols rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S19). Here, the symbol A is a specific symbol and is assumed to be a symbol of a woman indicated by each of q2 to q4 in FIG. 11 in this embodiment.

When three or more symbols A are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e, a transition is made to a free game that is a bonus game. In this embodiment, before the transition to the free game, a gaming condition determination game for determining conditions of the free game is executed.

Specifically, if three or more symbols A are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (YES in Step S19), the CPU 106 executes a gaming condition determination game (Step S20). The gaming condition determination game will be described in detail later. Thereafter, the bonus flag B is set to “1” (Step S21).

On the other hand, if three or more symbols A are not rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (NO in Step S19), the CPU 106 determines whether or not the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S22). Here, the winning combination means the case where three or more symbols of any one of types “BELL”, “7”, “A”, “K”, “Q” or “J” are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e as shown in FIG. 9. Note that the winning combination is not limited to the above example but can also be a combination of three or more of the same symbols lined up on a predetermined line, for example.

If the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (YES in Step S22), the CPU 106 provides a payout corresponding to the winning combination (Step S23). Moreover, if the symbols to form a winning combination are not rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (NO in Step S22), the CPU 106 provides no payout. Accordingly, one slot game is finished and the processing returns to Step S11.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 5, description will be given of processing of executing a gaming condition determination game. As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming condition determination game is executed as a result of execution of the slot game when three (or more) symbols A (q2, q3 and q4) are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

In the gaming condition determination game, the CPU 106 first displays options on the liquid crystal display 16. The options are those for selecting the number of free games(Step S31) to be played in a bonus game (Step S12 in FIG. 4) to be executed after the gaming condition determination game is finished. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 106 displays four doors p1 to p4 on the liquid crystal display 16 and further displays an image of a woman q1 and characters “Pick one”. In this case, each of the numbers of free games “5”, “10”, “15” and “20” is assigned to any one of the doors (p1 to p4).

Next, the CPU 106 activates the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display 16 and accepts a selection operation performed by the player (Step S32). The player selects one of the doors as his/her choice without knowing which number of free games is assigned to each of the doors (p1 to p4).

When the player touches the door p2, for example, to select the door p2 as his/her choice, the CPU 106 detects the input operation (YES in Step S33) and displays a “fireball” image f1 on the selected door p2 (option) as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, with this image, the player can confirm that he/she has selected the door p2.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 displays on the liquid crystal display 16 the number of free games corresponding to the door p2 selected by the player (Step S34). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a woman q5 is displayed after the door p2 selected by the player is opened, and characters “20 free games” are displayed. This display allows the player to recognize that 20 free games are to be executed as bonus games. Furthermore, the CPU 106 sets the number of free games N1 to “20” (Step S35) and stores this data in the RAM 110.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 displays the numbers of free games which have been assigned to all the doors p1 to p4 shown in FIG. 1 (Step S36). For example, as shown in FIG. 14, each of the numbers “10”, “20”, “5” and “15” is displayed on any one of the doors p1 to p4. Thus, the player can recognize that 10 free games have been assigned to the door p1, 20 free games to the door p2, 5 free games to the door p3 and 15 free games to the door p4.

Next, the CPU 106 displays options on the liquid crystal display 16. The options are those for selecting a payout rate (Step S37) in the free game played in the bonus game (Step S12 in FIG. 4) that is executed after the gaming condition determination game is finished. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, four doors p11 to p14 are displayed and a ghost image q11 as well as characters “Pick one” are further displayed. In this case, each of payout rates “2”, “3”, “4” and “8” is assigned to any one of the doors (p11 to p14).

Next, the CPU 106 activates the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display 16 and accepts a selection operation performed by the player (Step S38). The player selects one of the doors as his/her choice without knowing which payout rate is assigned to each of the doors (p11 to p14).

When the player touches the door p13 to select the door p13, for example, as his/her choice, the CPU 106 detects the input operation (YES in Step S39) and displays a “fireball” image f2 on the selected door p13 (option) as shown in FIG. 16. Thus, with this image, the player can confirm that he/she has selected the door p13.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 displays on the liquid crystal display 16 the payout rate corresponding to the door p13 selected by the player (Step S40). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a ghost q12 is displayed after the door p13 selected by the player is opened, and characters “8 times!” are displayed. This display allows the player to recognize that the payout rate is set to 8. Furthermore, the CPU 106 sets the payout rate M1 to “8” (Step S41) and stores this data in the RAM 110.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 displays the payout rates which have been assigned to all the doors p11 to p14 shown in FIG. 15 (Step S42). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, each of the numbers “3”, “4”, “8” and “2” is displayed on any one of the doors p11 to p14. Thus, the player can recognize that the payout rate of 3 has been assigned to the door p11, that of 4 to the door p12, that of 8 to the door p13 and that of 2 to the door p14.

Thus, the gaming condition determination game executed before the bonus game is executed is finished.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 6, bonus game execution processing will be described. When the bonus flag B is set to “1” in Step S21 shown in FIG. 4, “B=1” is established in Step S11 shown in FIG. 4 and a bonus game is executed in Step S12 in the next slot game.

When the bonus game is executed, the CPU 106 sets “T”, the number of free games to be executed, so as to realize “T=N1” (Step S51). N1 is the number of free games determined in Step S35 shown in FIG. 5.

Next, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot or a certain number of credits are bet by the player (Step S52), the certain number of bet credits is subtracted from the number of credits currently held (Step S53). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start switch 27 is turned on. If the start switch 27 is turned on (YES in Step S54), symbols arranged in each of the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e set on the liquid crystal display 16 are scrolled (Step S55).

Subsequently, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since start of symbol scrolling (YES in Step S56), the symbols are rearranged (stopped) in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S57).

The CPU 106 determines whether or not the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged among the total of fifteen symbols rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S58). Here, the winning combination means the case where three or more symbols of any one of types “BELL”, “7”, “A”, “K”, “Q” or “J” are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e as shown in FIG. 9. Moreover, a probability that the rearranged symbols form a winning combination is set higher in the bonus game than in a normal slot game. Specifically, the probability that the symbols rearranged in the processing in Step S57 shown in FIG. 6 form a wining combination is set higher than the probability that the symbols rearranged in the processing in Step S18 shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the player gets more medals during execution of the bonus game than during execution of a normal slot game.

If the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged (YES in Step S58), the CPU 106 determines a payout amount based on the payout rate M1 determined in Step S41 in execution of the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 5 (Step S59). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the payout rate M1 is determined to be “8” as a result of the gaming condition determination game, a payout eight times larger than the payout determined based on a payout table shown in FIG. 9 is provided. To be more specific, when three “BELL” symbols are rearranged, a payout of 20 medals is set in the payout table shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the CPU 106 provides a payout of “160” medals obtained by multiplying “20” medals by 8.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 decrements the value of “T” stored in the RAM 110 (Step S60) and determines whether or not “T=0” is established (Step S61). If “T=0” is not established (NO in Step S61), the processing returns to Step S52. On the other hand, if “T=0” is established (YES in Step S61), N1 free games are finished, N1 being the number of free games determined in the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the bonus flag B is set to “0” and the processing returns to Step S11 in FIG. 4.

Accordingly, in the bonus game, the free games are executed based on the number of free games N1 and the payout rate M1, which are determined in the gaming condition determination games.

As described above, in the slot machine according to this embodiment, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of a slot game (in this embodiment, when three or more woman symbols A are rearranged), a transition is made to a bonus game and a number of free games (special slot games) are executed. Before execution of free games, gaming condition determination games are executed to determine the number of free games to be executed and a payout rate when the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged in each of the free games. Therefore, it is possible to realize entertainment properties that the player determines by his/her own choice the number of free games and the payout rate.

Note that, in the above embodiment, the description was given of the example where, a transition is made to a bonus game and the gaming condition determination games are executed as a result of rearranging three or more symbols A in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e, Meanwhile, it is also possible to improve conditions of selection by the player in the gaming condition determination game as the number of the symbols A to be rearranged is increased to 4 and 5. For example, it is also possible to set three options “10”, “15” and “20” for the number of free games when four symbols A are rearranged, and to set two options “15” and “20” for the number of free games when five symbols A are rearranged.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiment only in procedures of the bonus game execution processing described above.

With reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 7, bonus game execution processing according to the second embodiment will be described below. When where a bonus flag B is set to “1” in Step S21 shown in FIG. 4, “B=1” is established in Step S11 shown in FIG. 4 and a bonus game is executed.

When the bonus game is executed, the CPU 106 sets the number of free games “T” to be executed so as to realize “T=N1” (Step S91).

Next, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot or a certain number of credits are bet by the player (Step S92), the certain number of bet credits is subtracted from the number of credits currently held (Step S93). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start switch 27 is turned on. If the start switch 27 is turned on (YES in Step S94), symbols arranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e set on the liquid crystal display 16 are scrolled (Step S95).

Subsequently, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since start of symbol scrolling (YES in Step S96), the symbols are rearranged (stopped) in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S97).

The CPU 106 determines whether or not three or more symbols A (assumed to be symbols of a woman indicated by q2 to q4 in FIG. 11 in this embodiment), each of which is a specific symbol, are rearranged among the total of fifteen symbols rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S98).

When three or more symbols A are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e, the CPU 106 executes a gaming condition determination game (Step S99). Specifically, in the case where, when a transition is made to a bonus game and a free game is executed, three or more symbols A to be a bonus trigger are rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e, the CPU 106 executes the gaming condition determination game to change conditions of a free game to be subsequently executed. This gaming condition determination game executed during the bonus game will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

On the other hand, if three or more symbols A are not rearranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (NO in Step S98), the CPU 106 determines whether or not the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged among the total of fifteen symbols rearranged in the respective display areas Q1 a to Q3 e (Step S101). Here, as in the case of Step S57 in FIG. 6, a probability that the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged is set higher in the bonus game than in a normal slot game. Thus, the player gets more medals during execution of the bonus game than during execution of a normal slot game.

If the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged (YES in Step S101), the CPU 106 determines a payout amount based on any one of the payout rate M1 determined in the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 5 and a payout rate M2 determined in a gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 8 to be described later (Step S102).

Thereafter, the CPU 106 decrements the value of “T” stored in the RAM 110 (Step S103) and determines whether or not “T=0” is established (Step S104). If “T=0” is not established (NO in Step S104), the processing returns to Step S92. On the other hand, if “T=0” is established (YES in Step S104), N1 free games, N1 being the number of free games determined in the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 5, or N2 free games, N2 being the number of free games determined in the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 8 to be described later, are finished. Thus, the bonus flag B is set to “0” and the processing returns to Step S11 in FIG. 4.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 8, detailed description will be given of procedures of processing the gaming condition determination game executed during the bonus game in Step S99 shown in FIG. 7.

In the gaming condition determination game shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 106 first displays on the liquid crystal display 16 options for selecting the number of free games to be executed after the gaming condition determination game is finished (Step S71). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 106 displays four doors p1 to p4 and further displays an image of a woman q1 and characters “Pick one”. In this case, respective numbers of free games “5”, “10”, “15” and “20” are assigned to the respective doors (pl to p4).

Next, the CPU 106 activates the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display 16 and accepts a selection operation performed by the player (Step S72). The player selects one of the doors as his/her choice without knowing which number of free games is assigned to each of the doors (p1 to p4).

When the player touches the door p2, for example, to select the door p2 as his/her choice, the CPU 106 detects the input operation (YES in Step S73) and displays a “fireball” image fl on the selected door p2 (option) as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, with this image, the player can confirm that he/she has selected the door p2.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 displays on the liquid crystal display 16 the number of free games corresponding to the door p2 selected by the player (Step S74). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a woman q5 is displayed after the door p2 selected by the player is opened, and characters “20 free games” are displayed. This display allows the player to recognize that 20 free games are to be added. Furthermore, the CPU 106 sets a new number of free games N2 by adding the number of free games to be added to the number of free games remaining at this point (Step S75), and stores this data in the RAM 110. For example, in the case where the number of the remaining free games is 5 and 20 free games are selected by the operation performed by the player, “5” and “20” are added up to set the number of free games N2 to “25”.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 displays the numbers of free games which have been assigned to all the doors p1 to p4 shown in FIG. 1 (Step S76). For example, as shown in FIG. 14, each of the numbers “10”, “20”, “5” and “15” is displayed on any one of the doors p1 to p4. Thus, the player can recognize that 10 free games have been assigned to the door p1, 20 free games to the door p2, 5 free games to the door p3 and 15 free games to the door p4.

Next, the CPU 106 displays options on the liquid crystal display 16 (Step S77). The options are those for selecting a payout rate in the free game played in the bonus game executed after the gaming condition determination game is finished. In this case, payout rates equal to or larger than the payout rate in the current free game are displayed as options. For example, in the case where the current payout rate is set to “3”, any one of doors p21, p22 and p23 as any one of options to which the payout rates equal to or larger than “3”, in other words, “3”, “4” and “8” are assigned are displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 as shown in FIG. 19.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 activates the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display 16 and accepts a selection operation performed by the player (Step S78). The player selects one of the doors as his/her choice without knowing which payout rate is assigned to each of the doors (p21 to p23).

Subsequently, when any one of the doors is selected (Step S79), the CPU 106 displays on the liquid crystal display 16 the payout rate corresponding to the door selected by the player (Step S80). This display allows the player to recognize the set payout rate. Furthermore, the CPU 106 sets the new payout rate M2 (Step S81) and stores this data in the RAM 110.

Thereafter, the CPU 106 displays the payout rates which have been assigned to all the doors p21 to p23 shown in FIG. 19 (Step S82). Thus, the gaming condition determination game executed during the free games is finished. Thereafter, the number of free games T is set to N2 in Step S100 shown in FIG. 7 and the processing returns to Step S92 to execute the next free game.

As described above, in the second embodiment, every time three or more symbols A (the woman symbols shown in FIG. 11) are rearranged to establish a bonus trigger during execution of the set number of free games after the transition to the bonus game, the gaming condition determination game is executed again. In this gaming condition determination game, the number of free games to be added and the payout rate are determined by the player's choice. In this event, the payout rate is set to be equal to or larger than the payout rate before execution of the gaming condition determination game, thereby causing no disadvantage to the player.

Although the slot machine and the method for playing a slot machine according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. The configurations of the respective parts can be replaced by arbitrary configurations having similar functions.

For example, in the above embodiments, the description was given of the example where 3 rows×5 columns, a total of 15 display areas Q1 a to Q3 e are provided on the liquid crystal display 16 and each slot game is executed to rearrange respective symbols arranged in the display areas Q1 a to Q3 e. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example.

Moreover, in the gaming condition determination game, the player selects any one of the options by touching the touch panel sensor 19. Meanwhile, the player may select any one of the options by operating switches without using the touch panel sensor 19.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is very effective in enhancing the player's motivation to play games. 

1. A slot machine comprising: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to: a) execute the slot game, b) execute special slot games when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, c) execute a gaming condition determination game determining a number of the special slot games, in making a transition to the special slot games, d) accept a selection operation by a player in the gaming condition determination game, and e) determine gaming conditions of the special slot game based on an outcome of the selection operation.
 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game, the controller executes the gaming condition determination game to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions of the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game.
 4. A slot machine comprising: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to: a) execute the slot game; b) execute special slot games when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, c) execute a plurality of gaming condition determination games determining a number of the special slot games, in making a transition to the special slot games, d) accept a selection operation by a player in each of the gaming condition determination games, and e) determine gaming conditions of the special slot game based on an outcome of the selection operation.
 5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 6. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game, the controller executes the gaming condition determination games to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions for the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game.
 7. A slot machine comprising: a display configured to display images related to various games including a slot game in which symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas are rearranged; and a controller operable to: a) execute the slot game, b) execute bonus games with a higher probability of rearrangement of the symbols to form a winning combination than that in execution of the slot game, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game, c) execute a gaming condition determination game determining a number of the bonus games, in making a transition to the bonus game, d) accept a selection operation by a player in the gaming condition determination game, and e) change, according to an outcome of the selection operation, at least one of the number of the bonus games to be executed and a payout rate of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form the winning combination are rearranged.
 8. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 9. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the bonus game, the controller executes the gaming condition determination game to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions of the bonus game preceding the gaming condition determination game.
 10. A method for playing a slot machine, comprising: a) executing a slot game to rearrange symbols respectively arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a special slot game when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the special slot game; d) executing a gaming condition determination game for determining gaming conditions of the special slot game based on an outcome of the selection operation; and e) executing the special slot game based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game.
 11. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 10, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 12. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 10, further comprising: executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions of the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the special slot game.
 13. A method for playing a slot machine, comprising: a) executing a slot game to rearrange respective symbols arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a special slot game when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the special slot game; d) executing a plurality of gaming condition determination games for determining gaming conditions of the special slot games based on an outcome of the selection operation; and e) executing the special slot game based on the gaming conditions determined by the plurality of gaming condition determination games.
 14. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 13, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 15. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 13, further comprising: executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions for the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game, when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combinations in execution of the special slot game.
 16. A method for playing a slot machine, comprising: a) executing a slot game to rearrange respective symbols arranged in a plurality of display areas on a display; b) making a transition to a bonus game with a higher probability that the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged than other slot games, when the respective symbols arranged in the display areas are rearranged to form a specific combination in execution of the slot game; c) accepting a selection operation by a player in making the transition to the bonus game; d) executing a gaming condition determination game for changing, based on an outcome of the selection operation, at least one of the number of the bonus games to be executed and a payout rate of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form the winning combination are rearranged; and e) executing the bonus game based on the gaming conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game.
 17. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 16, wherein the selection operation is an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of options displayed on the display.
 18. The method for playing a slot machine, according to claim 16, further comprising: executing the gaming condition determination game so as to set gaming conditions equally or more advantageous to the player than the gaming conditions for the special slot game preceding the gaming condition determination game when the symbols arranged in the respective display areas are rearranged to form the specific combination in execution of the bonus game. 